BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Malta Digital Innovation Authority - ECPv6.16.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Malta Digital Innovation Authority
X-ORIGINAL-URL:http://20.86.141.199
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Malta Digital Innovation Authority
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/Malta
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20240331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20241027T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20250330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20251026T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20260329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20261025T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Malta:20250709T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Malta:20250709T160000
DTSTAMP:20260610T152015
CREATED:20250620T024456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250623T053851Z
UID:95486-1752051600-1752076800@20.86.141.199
SUMMARY:Empowering Europe with Digital and Cybersecurity Skills
DESCRIPTION:What is the current state of our digital and cybersecurity skills? And are we really ready to meet the ever-increasing demands of the digital future? \nWe are pleased to invite you to the conference “Empowering Europe with Digital and Cybersecurity Skills\,” which will focus on assessing the current state of digital and cybersecurity competencies not only in the Central European region. As Europe undergoes a rapid digital transformation\, this event will bring together policymakers\, industry leaders\, and education experts to discuss the steps needed to strengthen cybersecurity resilience\, accelerate digital progress\, and close critical digital skill gaps. Together\, we will explore how to ensure Europe remains competitive\, secure\, and inclusive in the digital age. \nDate: 9th July 2025 \nLocation: Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU (in Brussels)\, Avenue de Cortenbergh 79\, Brussels\, Belgium \nRegister now \nAgenda: \n09:00 – 09:25 Welcome and Opening Remarks   \nMária Malová\, Ambassador\, Deputy Permanent Representative\, Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU \nMarek Bezák\, Advisor of the Minister of Investments\, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic \nMário Lelovský\, Chairman\, Digital Coalition\, Slovak Republic \nGeorgi Dimitrov\, Head of Unit Digital Education\, Directorate-General for Education\, Youth\, Sport and Culture\, European Commission \n09:25-10:45 I. Panel: Digital Skills – Current Status and Future Outlook   \nEvaluation of the current state of play of digital skills in Europe in the context of achieving the goals of the Digital Decade 2030. The discussion will focus on how to effectively meet the objectives of the Digital Compass in the area of digital skills. The main topics will include: \n\nProgress in implementing the Digital Skills Action Plan – what has been achieved and what are the main challenges?\nAnalysis of successful initiatives and identification of areas where improvement is needed.\nKey priorities for the next five years in the areas of digital education and upskilling.\nPublic-private sector collaboration in increasing digital skills among citizens and the workforce.\n\nThe panel will provide valuable insights on how to strengthen digital literacy in Europe and what concrete measures the new Commission should take to achieve the goals of the Digital Decade. \nEmil Boc\, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca Municipality\, Member of the Committee of the Regions and Rapporteur of the CoR opinion on the Union of Skills Strategy\, Romania \nMartin Úlovec\, Ministerial Commissioner for Digitization and Digital Education at the Ministry of Education\, Youth and Sports\, National Institute of Education of the Czech Republic \nAndreea Calbeaza\, Senior Manager\, Government Affairs\, Microsoft\, Chair of the Skills & Inclusion Working Group\, Digital Europe \nRehana Schwinninger-Ladak\, Head of Unit Interactive Technologies\, Digital for Culture and Education\, Directorate-General for Communications Networks\, Content and Technology\, European Commission \nMarek Čanecký\, First Secretary at the Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU\, MODERÁTOR    \n10:45-11:00 The Digital Bridge to Integration: Supporting Ukrainians in the Slovak Republic \nAlona Kurotova\, Representative of the Ukrainian Community in Slovakia \n11:00 – 11:20 Coffee break   \n11:20-12:35  II. Panel: Digital Skills – Specific Projects and Best Practices   \nThis panel will explore best practices from the V4 region\, focusing on the implementation of the IT Fitness Test as a key tool for assessing and enhancing digital skills. It will highlight successful initiatives from Slovakia\, Czech Republic\, Poland\, and Hungary\, assessing how these countries are using the IT Fitness Test to measure digital competencies and drive upskilling efforts. The discussion will also cover how these practices can serve as a model for many European efforts\, fostering a digitally skilled workforce and addressing gaps in cybersecurity expertise. Key topics will include integrating digital skills into education systems and promoting gender diversity in technology fields. \nLucia Martišková\, Project Manager\, Digital Coalition\, Slovak Republic \nMichal Kanownik\, President\, Digital Poland Association\, Poland \nJaromír Hanzal\, Director\, Association for Applied Research in IT\, Czech Republic \nViktor Bálint\, Education and Labour Market Working Group Lead\, Association of Digital Companies\, Hungary \nKatarína Schwertnerová\, Senior Advisor\, EU Strategy\, MODERÁTOR \n12:35-13:35 Networking Lunch   \n13:35 – 13:50 Cyber Game – A Talent Show or How to Attract Young People to Cybersecurity? \nJaroslav Ďurovka\, Head of National Cyber Security Centre (SK-CERT)\, National Security Authority\, Slovak Republic \n13:50-14:50 III. Cybersecurity Skills as Fuel for the European Labour Market \nThe panel supports to explore the application of the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework by EU Member States and provide a regional perspective on the current situation. The audience will gain insights into how the framework can help governments and organisations identify skill gaps and invest in cybersecurity education and training. The speakers will examine whether establishing a common language for cybersecurity job roles\, including the mobility of skilled professionals across Member States\, could strengthen labour markets\, address real-time demands\, and enhance trust. They will also discuss additional ways for Member States to develop the expertise needed to safeguard critical infrastructure\, key ICT systems\, and national registers while essential responses to cyber threats. experts\, the panel will explore alternative solutions to address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the EU\, such as integrating cybersecurity into school curricula\, upskilling or reskilling the existing workforce\, and launching awareness campaigns. These initiatives can include increasing the visibility of cybersecurity careers through hackathons\, competitions\, and talent programs. Furthermore\, the discussion will assess the costs and benefits of attracting new talent from third countries. “The panellists will also expand on strategies for smaller and less affluent Member States to combat the brain drain to countries offering higher salaries. \nEvangelos Ouzounis\, Head of Unity Capacity Building and Skills\, ENISA \nMarek Zeman\, Senior Consultant\, Cybersecurity Competence and Certification Centre\, Slovak Republic \nJean-Francois Simons\, SC2\, Senior Security Advisor and Chair of the European Council of ISACs \nJeppe Engell\, Senior Advisor for Cyber Policy\, Danish Industry \nRadoslav Repa\, Counsellor\, Cyber Issues and Trust Services\, National Security Authority\, Slovakia\, MODERÁTOR \n14:50-15:55 IV. Panel / Women in IT – Empowering the Next Generation: Supporting Girls in IT and Digital Skills \nThe importance of early digital education cannot be overstated\, especially when it comes to encouraging young girls to pursue careers in Information Technology (IT) and related fields. This panel will explore the critical role that digital skills play in shaping future opportunities for young women. Fostering an inclusive and diverse digital landscape starts at the primary school level\, where girls should have equal access to resources\, mentorship\, and hands-on experiences in IT. \nWe will discuss the need for targeted programmes and policies that encourage girls\, especially those aged 13-15\, to engage with technology\, explore their interests\, and develop digital skills that are critical in today’s economy. From supporting gender equality in digital professions to bridging the digital gender gap\, this panel will emphasize the long-term benefits of empowering girls with the tools to succeed in an increasingly digital world. \nLenka Krištofičová\, Project Manager\, Digital Coalition\, Slovak Republic \nDiogo da Silva\, Pedagogical Director\, Visionarium\, Portugal \nAngela Jafarova\, Head of Coding School\, Datorium\, Latvia \nMonika Kapráliková\, Author and Women’s Voice Advocate\, Slovakia\, MODERÁTOR \n15:55-16:00 Closing Remarks   \nIf you have any questions\, feel free to contact us. \nContact us \nWe look forward to your participation! \nBest regards\, \nEvent Organizers: \nMinistry of Investments\, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic \nNational Security Authority \nPermanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU \nDigital Coalition
URL:http://20.86.141.199/events/empowering-europe-with-digital-and-cybersecurity-skills/
LOCATION:Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU\, Belgium
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://20.86.141.199/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/digi-koalicia-pozvanka-mensia-v4-01s-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR